Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course
This course immerses you in the materials of the future, from the fundamentals of composition and properties through to their application. You will move from the structure and behaviour of fibreglass and composites to lamination methods, with a section on damage assessment and repair.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this programme gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The programme is designed precisely for that.
What is the Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course?
This short course takes you through composite materials from their composition and properties to manufacturing and repair techniques. It focuses on fibreglass and other materials used to create light, strong and versatile products.
It is designed for engineers, designers and technicians who want to bring innovation to their projects.
Programme highlights
- Covers everything from basic theory to advanced applications of fibreglass.
- Trains you to design and manufacture quality parts with good performance and reduced costs.
- Presents specialised repair and maintenance techniques to extend the service life of structures.
- Includes real cases and practical projects.
- Oriented towards sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, shipbuilding and wind energy.
Syllabus of the Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course
5 modules. Select a module to see its content.
TECHNICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPOSITES (FRP) AND REINFORCEMENT ARCHITECTURES
- 1.1. Resin chemistry: polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy; curing kinetics and Tg
- 1.2. Glass fibre: E-glass/S-glass; formats (roving, mat, woven fabrics, multiaxials) and selection
- 1.3. Laminate architectures: orientations, areal weights, waviness, crimp and structural efficiency
- 1.4. Fibre-matrix interface: adhesion, wetting, sizing, compatibilities and interlaminar failures
- 1.5. Laminate mechanics: anisotropy, moduli, strength, Poisson's ratio and failure criteria
DESIGN AND SIZING OF LAMINATES AND SANDWICH STRUCTURES
- 2.1. Loads and stresses: bending, shear, local/global buckling and stress concentrations
- 2.2. Applied Classical Laminate Theory (CLT): ABD, coupling, symmetry and balance
- 2.3. Sandwich design: cores (PVC, PET, SAN, balsa), skins and shear stability
- 2.4. Joints and details: inserts, hard points, transitions, cut-outs and critical radii
- 2.5. Structural adhesives and bonding: surface preparation, peel/cleavage and joint design
GLASS FIBRE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND CURE CONTROL
- 3.1. Hand lay-up: sequences, de-aeration, resin/fibre ratio and bleed control
- 3.2. Spray-up and mixed lamination: limitations, quality control and typical applications
- 3.3. Vacuum and infusion: VARTM/infusion; flow network design, permeability and feed strategy
- 3.4. RTM/L-RTM and closed processes: injection, pressure, moulds, repeatability and productivity
- 3.5. Prepreg and advanced curing: OOA/autoclave, ramps, post-curing and thermal control
MOULDS, TOOLING AND FINISHES: GELCOAT, SURFACES AND VACUUM
- 4.1. Mould engineering: materials, stiffness, thermal stability and design for demoulding
- 4.2. Surface preparation: sanding, polishing, sealers, waxes and release agents
- 4.3. Gelcoat and barrier coats: types, thicknesses, inhibition, curing and control of appearance/cracking
- 4.4. Vacuum consumables: peel ply, perforated film, breather, flow media and sealant tapes
- 4.5. Vacuum system integrity: leaks, tests, flow meters, valves and procedures
REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, DEFECTS AND SUSTAINABILITY IN FRP
- 5.1. Damage diagnosis: impact, fatigue, delamination, microcracking and hygrothermal degradation
- 5.2. Structural repair: scarfing, taper ratios, repair lay-up and vacuum consolidation
- 5.3. Osmosis and blistering: causes, detection, treatment, epoxy barriers and moisture control
- 5.4. Gelcoat and finish repair: colour matching, compatibility, polishing and prevention of print-through
- 5.5. Health and safety: styrene, epoxies, fibre dust, VOCs, PPE and risk management
Duration and format of the Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course
It is 300 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the instalment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programmes.
Dra. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Ing. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dra. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Ing. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Ing. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Ing. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course
Career opportunities after the Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course
Questions about the Composite Materials and Fibreglass Course
Glass fibre is a specific type of composite material. The difference is that the term "composite material" covers a broader category of materials consisting of two or more distinct components combined to create a material with improved properties, whereas glass fibre is a particular composite that uses glass fibres as reinforcement in a polymer matrix (usually resin).
Yes. The pathway includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with port, ocean, fog, heavy weather and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/work placement stays through partnership agreements.
Glass fibre is a component, and the composite material is the material resulting from combining glass fibre with a resin.
Functional SMCP is recommended. We provide support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a related qualification or experience in maritime/port operations. The admission interview will confirm your suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Partnerships and the Alumni Network.
Simulator exercises (rubrics), passage plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and an applied master's thesis.
More programmes in Shipyard and finishes
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enrol in the same session.
- Profile: vocational training in mechanical manufacturing, chemistry or materials, or demonstrable experience with composite materials and fibreglass.
- Prior knowledge: basic notions of chemistry, physics and manufacturing processes, and familiarity with workshop tools.
- Skills: ability to follow technical instructions, attention to detail, manual dexterity and respect for safety rules.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, copies of qualifications or certificates, ID card or passport, and an optional motivation letter.
- Equipment for practical work: work clothing, safety footwear, goggles and gloves, unless provided by the centre.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrolmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enrol
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.